Thursday Weather Turns: Sunshine Holds While Rain Creeps In From The West
Thursday 22 May brings back widespread sunshine and dry skies, but don’t let the brightness blind you. While much of the country will bask in unbroken sun with highs up to 22°C, the story is already changing in the background. Atlantic cloud is thickening, and the western half of the country will feel the shift first. Light winds and rising humidity signal the calm before another system slides in—potentially bringing light rain and mist by Friday morning. For now, enjoy the warmth but know this stretch of stability is short-lived.
Regional Weather Forecast Table
| Region | Morning Conditions | Afternoon Conditions | Evening/Night Conditions | High Temp (°C) | Low Temp (°C) | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dublin | Bright and sunny | Dry with highs near 20°C | Clear with a few light clouds | 20 | 6 | Light variable breeze |
| Cork | Sunny with haze | Warm with high sun exposure | Cloud building westward | 22 | 8 | Light northerly |
| Galway | Clear and dry | Slight haze, very warm | Cloud thickening, light mist forming | 21 | 7 | Light northerly |
| Limerick | Sunny start | Bright, dry, and warm | Increasing cloud and possible drizzle | 21 | 6 | Light north breeze |
| Belfast | Sunny and mild | Dry and cooler than south | Mostly clear overnight | 18 | 4 | Northerly breeze |
| Waterford | Dry and warm | Sunny with light haze | Clear skies with mild overnight temps | 21 | 7 | Light breeze |
| Sligo | Hazy sunshine | Warm and dry | Light rain near Atlantic coast | 20 | 5 | Variable light winds |
Thursday’s Overview
Sun dominates much of Ireland today. Early fog is minimal and clears quickly as temperatures rise across all regions. The west and south see the strongest warmth, with Munster counties peaking at 21°C to 22°C. Inland Leinster remains sunny and mild, while the north stays slightly cooler due to light northerly breezes.
Despite the dry, settled feel, cloud is already building just offshore. The Atlantic coast will begin to see hazy skies thickening by late evening, and parts of the west may catch light drizzle or coastal mist by dawn Friday. No thunder, no storms—but the pattern is wobbling.
UV levels are moderately high today, especially in the mid-afternoon window. Sunscreen is advised for anyone working or walking outdoors. Fields remain dry and ground conditions are good, but farmers are watching the horizon.
Tonight’s Forecast
The country stays mostly dry tonight. Clear skies over the east and midlands will give way to increasing cloud cover from the west. Patchy mist and fog will develop after midnight, especially in low-lying western valleys and along Atlantic-facing coasts. Rain is possible but light—more of a signal than a soak. Overnight lows dip to between 3°C and 8°C, with the southwest remaining mildest.
Winds remain light and variable, failing to move weather fronts quickly. By morning, the west will wake up under heavy cloud and light moisture, while the east holds out a little longer.
What You Should Know
Today marks the end of this week’s driest stretch. By Friday, frontal systems move in, targeting the west and southwest first. Farmers should prepare for reduced drying conditions. Urban commuters and coastal walkers may notice damp pavements and low visibility tomorrow morning.
No official warnings are posted by Met Éireann yet, but updated satellite data shows increasing offshore instability. Temperatures may fall slightly Friday into Saturday, with more consistent cloud and rain expected through the weekend.
Use today wisely—it’s the last fully settled day in the forecast.
Looking Ahead
Friday brings cloud, coastal drizzle, and scattered light rain—mainly affecting Connacht, west Munster, and parts of Ulster. The east and southeast stay drier longer but will eventually cloud over. Weekend forecasts hint at deeper instability and a possible return of thundery showers by Sunday night.
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